CVE-2013-3027 in iNotes
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the DWA9W ActiveX control in iNotes in IBM Domino 9.0 before IF3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web page, aka SPR PTHN97XHFW.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-3027 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the DWA9W ActiveX control component of IBM Domino 9.0 prior to interim fix IF3. This issue specifically affects the iNotes webmail application that is part of the IBM Domino server suite, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling within the ActiveX control's memory management routines, where integer overflow conditions can occur during the processing of maliciously crafted web content. Such flaws typically arise when developers fail to properly check for arithmetic overflow conditions when performing calculations that could potentially exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the integer data type.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed web page that triggers the integer overflow within the DWA9W ActiveX control. When a user visits such a malicious webpage, the control processes the crafted input and encounters an integer overflow condition that can lead to memory corruption. This memory corruption creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the application and ultimately execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable ActiveX control. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages web-based delivery mechanisms, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical access to the target system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents substantial risk to organizations utilizing IBM Domino 9.0 servers with iNotes functionality. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to complete compromise of email servers, data theft, and lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability affects the core messaging infrastructure of many enterprises, making it attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to corporate email systems. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential data breaches if exploited successfully, as email servers often contain sensitive business information and personal data. The integer overflow vulnerability also represents a classic weakness that aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow and underflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate access to systems.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate application of IBM's interim fix IF3 or subsequent updates to IBM Domino 9.0, which address the integer overflow condition in the DWA9W ActiveX control. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block malicious web traffic targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable ActiveX control across their environment and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. System administrators should also consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible, though this may impact legitimate functionality of the iNotes application. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in software development, particularly for components that handle untrusted data from web-based sources.